2019 Volvo XC40 Test Drive and Review

2019 Volvo XC40 Next to building ・ Photo by Volvo

When you say the word, Volvo, what comes to mind? Safe, conservative, premium, preppy family, quietly smart? Well, since none of those descriptions apply to the newly minted 2019 Volvo XC40, how about fun, colorful, innovative, high-tech, edgy? Welcome to the alternative language of Volvo communicating with Millennials.

And they’re doing more than just talking to this new audience when it comes to the now smallest SUV in the Volvo lineup. Volvo has checked off many boxes with its all-new XC40.  While it mirrors its popular medium and large cousins - the XC60 and XC90 - in technology and safety options, the XC40 has its own unique list of advantages. Are they exclusive to a younger audience? No, but who doesn’t like space-efficiency and crafted styling in a small SUV? Volvo has nailed the sub-genre of a small SUV that’s fun to drive, well fitted together, and updated with not only technology on the inside, but a more modern way to own and drive a new car.

Large for a Small SUV

To demonstrate how well the XC40 is sized, Volvo hosted a test drive in Barcelona, Spain. A typical European city, where you may find yourself on a street disguised as an alley. In this case, it was a great relief to drive a vehicle that feels roomy but is small enough to squeeze in just fine.

The fact is that, in a sea of small luxury suvs, the XC40 is the tallest, widest, and has the highest ground clearance of all. Volvo has been able to pull this off, while also keeping true to the "small" category.

Photo by Joni Gray

The Mini-Me Cousin of Volvo Existing SUVs

The good news: Everything you know and love about the new Volvo XC60 and XC90 are also true in the XC40.

Like Tesla, Volvo’s 9-inch interior infotainment screen resembles a built-in iPad, and is the biggest, swipiest, pinchy-est, Apple-esc, screen in the business. You loved it in the XC90 and XC60, and you’ll love it in the XC40. And all the autonomous driving and safety technology present in the larger cousins, exist in the XC40. Volvo specifically calls it a cousin, because the typical "sibling" references don't apply to this very unique SUV. 

Like the XC60 and XC90, the safety list is long and impressive. It includes City Safety with Vehicle Pedestrian detection, lane keeping and mitigation, driver alster control, road sign information, post impact braking and collision avoidance up to 37 MPH - all as standard safety features. Add options like Keyless Entry, hands free tailgate, heated wiper blades and visual park assist with 360 camera – and it’s all there. Volvo is continuing to work on its promise to achieve a score of zero fatalities in a Volvo by the year 2020, and the additional safety features just keep on coming.

Photo by Volvo

The Smaller Engine that Could – and Does

The XC40 also uses the same basic powerplant as the XC60 and XC90, but on this lighter, smaller vehicle (700 lbs. lighter than the XC90), the 248-hp T5 engine performs with ease. It’s 8-speed automatic transmission smoothly moves up and down the shifts and the sport-tuned suspension combine to make for effortless and quickly responsive turns and road-gripping.

There are five drive modes available on the XC40 – Eco, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off Road. And with the all-wheel-drive feature, there's a mode for every mood and that certain sense of Volvo security in inclement weather. 

The Volvo XC40 Makes Storage a Priority

It matters and we appreciate that Volvo did extensive global research into what people put in their cars and, especially in a small SUV, you need a place for all that Kleenex, gum, mints, paperwork, travel journals, chargers, charger chords and phones.

Volvo put such a priority on making room for all our “stuff,” that it even removed the subwoofer from the doors, where they traditionally are found. In their place is a huge door pockets.

Other clever and helpful solutions:

• Bag hooks on the glove box
• Wireless QI mobile phone charger with Bluetooth
• A dedicate cell phone storage space
• A console trash bin with a lid for removing and dumping
• A secret "compartment" under the floor of the trunk

Photo by Volvo

Personality to Spare

Although the XC40 shares all the highly desired features of these popular stable mates, the XC60 and XC90, a team of passionate product developers worked hard to make sure this model would stand out with its own personality – from both a design standpoint and every other aspect.

Photo by Joni Gray

Please Subscribe – Volvo Cares About the Young Upscale Car Buyer

Volvo is leading the trend of a tech-savvy world of car buyers who are non-committal about buying a car, but will pay a monthly fee for any number of transportation services on their mobile phone.

The offer is called Care by Volvo and it’s not a lease. Volvo describes it as “a subscription solution, designed by a series of extras that complement your own experience, making your life better, easier and more enjoyable.”  What that means is that, for either $600 or $700 per month, you will get a new XC40 with car insurance included. The term is for 2-years, but you can go month to month after the first year. Volvo said that so many people are already raising their hand to do this program, that they are not going to be pushing it in a marketing campaign. The theme of this program: It's as easy as getting a new phone. But, I would add, just a little pricier ($7,200 per year). 

Volvo also offers is a mobile phone app that gives its XC40 owners the ability to assign a digital “key” to others in other family members to share your car when handing over the key is not convenient.

Photo by Volvo

Premium Interior with Personality

Somehow, I was surprised by the fun and funky nature of the XC40 interior. Volvo managed to keep the premium feel going, while also creating a jaunty, dare I say “Mini-like” fun in the graphics and inside layout.

One truly unique feature is that the car is completely covered with a felt-like flooring material, so that if something falls in the cracks anyplace in the car, it falls on a carpeted surface. No clanging around will be heard. This feature really stands out in the XC40’s Charcoal/Nubuck with Orange Lava Carpet model.

Photo by Volvo

The Color Pallette

Probably none of the Volvo XC40’s competitors include the range of color choices, including contrasting roof shades. It’s hard not to conjure up memories of Mini Coopers when you see all these combinations together, but there’s nothing really wrong with that… variety is the spice of life!

Photo by Volvo

Speaking of the Competition

The XC40 competes in an already crowded Japanese and European luxury segment, where pricing varies only by how the extras are packaged. They all start in the mid $33K area and go as high as $45K, but Volvo XC40 starts a little higher than most at $36,195 and goes up from there.

When shopping in this segment, check out Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes GLA Class, Lexus NX and Infiniti QX30. I think you’ll find a unique set of features in the XC40 that, if they are important to you, you will not find elsewhere. Another consideration is that Volvo safety stands out in a segment where size can sometimes put you at a disadvantage. Volvo XC40 is a unique car for a unique buyer, so it either works for you or it doesn’t.

Photo by Joni Gray

In the end... we like it.

Cars like this need to find soul mates as buyers. Much like going on a really good first date, your first introduction the Volvo XC40 will be impressive. It’s cute, smart, high-functioning, and even has a good sense of humor – but is it really your “type?” If it is, you’ll fall in love. I did, but I’m a pushover for big iPad screens and lots of surfaces and places to put my stuff.

Volvo, you had me at secret trunk compartment.

Photo by Volvo